Energy Saving News
UAE Needs Energy Efficiency
WITH utility bills in United Arab Emirates (UAE) for commercial buildings rising by over 50 per cent over the last two years, many more companies are embracing energy-saving measures to reduce costs and carbon emissions, reports Anita Mathews, exhibition director of Middle East Electricity.
The financial as well as environmental issues are driving force behind energy-efficiency, observed Mathews, while publicising the lighting section of Middle East Electricity largest trade show for the power and energy sector, taking place early in 2011.
Referring to energy efficient lighting Matthews added: "Energy-saving light bulbs use up to 80 per cent less electricity than conventional bulbs as well as saving an average of 9kg of CO2 per year per fitting. LED lighting, meanwhile, can save up to 70 per cent in electricity costs."
"In addition, timers and movement sensors are increasingly being installed in commercial buildings to save electricity when rooms are unoccupied and corridors are empty. The potential savings for industry from lighting alone is colossal."
In 2008 Commercial and industrial businesses in Dubai were shocked when they received their utility bills for the first quarter as many found that the cost of their electricity had gone up by as much as 65 per cent as Dubai moved to curb excessive consumption.
In March 2008 Dubai Electricity and Water Authority introduced a new tariff structure to encourage energy consumers to use less by paying more – this meant annual energy bills of around Dh2.5 to Dh3 million ($817,000 - $681,000US) rose by almost Dh2 million ($545,000US).
Regarding lighting solutions Matthews stated:
“Just imagine the potential savings for a manufacturing facility, Lighting is taken for granted everyday but the annual Earth Hour in March is a reminder of the global importance of conserving energy. This is a relatively untapped but growing market in the ME, as governments and business look for sustainable alternatives.”
Photo by Chrissy Olson
Tuesday 27th July 2010
